MORE schools across Dorset have confirmed cases of coronavirus - with one forced to close completely and move to a temporary remote learning programme.

Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary School, based in Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford Forum, has temporarily moved to remote learning following a Covid-19 case, which has forced students and staff members to self-isolate.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said on November 27 that the organisation is working with the school and Public Health South West during this period.

They said: “Due to a number of staff needing to self-isolate, the decision has been made for the school to temporarily move to online learning for all pupils.

“All close contacts of the suspected cases have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Contacts should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14 days.”

Gryphon School and Harbour Vale School, both based in Sherborne, as well as Sherborne Primary School and Gillingham Primary School remain open, after confirmation of positive Covid-19 cases.

It has also been reported today, December 3, that Shaftesbury School and William Barnes Primary School in Sturminster Newton remain open despite confirmed cases of Covid-19.

The schools have informed all close contacts of the person with Covid-19, and they have been told to undergo a test if they develop symptoms.

Another Covid-19 case was confirmed in Stower Provost Community School near Gillingham.

Regarding this case, a spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: “We can confirm there was a confirmed case however the person was not in school during the infectious period, so there was no requirement for any students or staff to self-isolate.”